Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treating a subject suffering from a condition associated with an extracellular zinc sphingomyelinase activity which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a zinc sphingmyelinase inhibitor effective to decrease extracellular zinc sphingomyelinase activity in the subject and thereby treat the subject.

Abstract: A method of regulating cholesterol related genes, enzymes and other compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and a kit related thereto are provided. Exemplary genes that are regulated include a gene for an LDL receptor, a gene for HMG-CoA reductase, a gene for cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase, and a gene regulating a function involved in cholesterol homeostasis. The method comprises the step of parenterally administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lipid acceptor. The lipid acceptor in one variant includes a multiplicity of large liposomes comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol during a treatment period. The method includes the steps of periodically assaying plasma LDL concentrations with an assay during a period of time to assess the plasma LDL and to obtain an LDL profile, and adjusting the parenteral administration in response to the LDL profile.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic layer is provided on a shaft for sensing torque carried by the shaft around a longitudinal axis. The layer includes first and second adjacent annular parts of a magnetically anisotropic material with circumferential easy axes. The parts are magnetically polarized in opposite circumferential directions when in a quiescent state, but produce helical magnetic fields with respective axial components when torque is carried by the shaft. First and second magnetic-field-guiding structures combine to provide shielding of the magnetoelastic layer from ambient external magnetic fields and to maximize coupling of the axial components from the magnetoelastic layer to one or more magnetic field detectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for, a method of suppressing the rise in plasma concentrations of atherogenic lipoproteins after administration of an agent having small acceptors of cholesterol, other lipids or compounds. The method includes the step of co-administering an effective amount of a multiplicity of an agent having large liposomes that include phospholipids substantially free of sterol with the administration of the agent having the small acceptors. The atherogenic lipoproteins include LDL, VLDL, IDL, .beta.-VLDL, Lp(a), a lipoprotein containing apolipoprotein-B, oxidized lipoproteins, and modified lipoproteins. The agent having small acceptors consists essentially of small acceptors and in which the agent having large liposomes consists essentially of large liposomes. In a variant, co-administration of the agent having large liposomes is simultaneous with the administration of the agent having small acceptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dialysis apparatus for the treatment of a patient, improved mode of operation of a dialysis apparatus and improved method of dialysis. The improvement includes means for administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lipid acceptor during the treatment of a subject, and actuation of the means during operation of the dialysis apparatus. The lipid acceptor is selected from the group consisting of a multiplicity of large liposomes comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol and small acceptors. The means for administering said agent is selected from the group consisting of means for extracorporeal administration and means for intracorporal administration. The dialysis includes hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and rectal dialysis, and the agent is added directly to blood or blood plasma of a subject in one variant.

Abstract: Aminosterol compounds are described that are useful as inhibitors of the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE). Methods of using such aminosterols compounds are also disclosed, including those employing compounds that are inhibitors of a spectrum of NHEs as well as those using compounds that are inhibitors of only one specific NHE. Advantageous screening techniques and assays for evaluating a compound's therapeutic activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A training system is formed by supporting a mannikin torso on a rigidly fixed base. The mannikin torso provides anatomically defined aiming references and may be attached to a frame which is supported by the base. The base allows the frame to be positioned either in a vertical or angled forward position to provide differing types of training. A harness is provided which is adapted to support the mannikin torso when it is detached from the frame and base. The harness has arm straps to allow a coach or trainer to move the mannikin torso to simulate more realistic sparring.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition, kit, and method of forcing the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver in vivo while controlling plasma LDL concentrations is provided. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a multiplicity of large liposomes comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol for a treatment period. The method optionally includes the step of periodically assaying plasma LDL concentrations with an assay during the treatment period to assess plasma atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations and obtain an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, and adjusting the administration in response to the profile. The large liposomes are dimensioned larger than fenestrations of an endothelial layer lining hepatic sinusoids in the liver so that the liposomes are too large to readily penetrate the fenestrations. The therapeutically effective amounts are in the range of about 10 mg to about 1600 mg phospholipid per kg body weight per dose.

Abstract: A method of regulating cholesterol related genes, enzymes and other compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and a kit related thereto are provided. Exemplary genes that are regulated include a gene for an LDL receptor, a gene for HMG-CoA reductase, a gene for cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase, and a gene regulating a function involved in cholesterol homeostasis. The method comprises the step of parentorally administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lipid acceptor. The lipid acceptor in one variant includes a multiplicity of large liposomes comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol during a treatment period. The method includes the steps of periodically assaying plasma LDL concentrations with an assay during a period of time to assess said plasma LDL and to obtain an LDL profile, and adjusting the parenteral administration in response to the LDL profile.